Collectors and fans alike have a chance to own one-of-a-kind Star Wars art pieces while giving to a good cause with The Empire Muggs Back. Lucasfilm asked artists, comic book creators, toy designers, and celebrity fans armed with markers, paint brushes and glue guns to transform blank which were auctioned by The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Starwars.com chats with Sara Crowley (Assistant Animator at ShadowMachine for shows such as Robot Chicken, Moral Orel and the new Titan Maximum) about her process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Muggs figure into a special tribute to Dark Force Yoda.
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back charity art project?
I am always excited to help with charity projects, especially projects that showcase art. Using my skills to benefit another person is the greatest thrill.
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Muggs art piece?
I decided to create Dark Force Yoda for my art piece because Yoda is my favorite Star Wars character. Yoda is one of the most mysterious characters. He is the oldest and has a great past to be explored. I wondered whether Yoda had ever strayed to the dark side in his youth as his best pupil had been seduced by the dark powers. The Mighty Muggs project allowed me to explore those questions in a very fun way.
What was your step-by-step process? What materials did you use?
I sketched out my ideas for Dark Force Yoda on paper with colored pencils and charcoal first. I knew that I wanted sculpted ears, brows and a muzzle so I used Magic Sculpt to create these features after washing my blank Mugg in soap and water. When sculpting was complete, I used 600 grit sandpaper and sprayed on primer for a foundation.
Using acrylic paints and brush bristles I created my design freehand based on my sketches, moving from lightest colors to the darkest.
When the painting was complete, I sprayed on Dullcote sealant. My lightsaber was created using two pieces if brass and aluminum round stock, magic sculpt and acrylic paints, as well as metallic oil enamels.
What were some of the challenges you faced while making your art piece?
I was directed to a bad set of paints by an improperly trained salesman at a local crafting store. He sold me oil enamels rather than the acrylics I requested. Thankfully I noted the error when I got joke and I had basic colors at home and the skills to mix my colors. The store colorants would have just helped save more time for sculpting and details rather than mixing and replicating colors.
Why do you think Star Wars fans will love The Empire Muggs Back project?
The fans should adore this project because they can purchase one-of-a-kind original art pieces created by other fans of Star Wars. Plus they can even snag Muggs created by the crew of other fan favorites like Robot Chicken.
Read more in-depth coverage on The Empire Muggs Back.
